General News of Friday, 26 April 2024

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Ashanti regional minister threatens to sue ECG, two media houses over alleged false publication against him

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah has threatened to sue the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) management in the Ashanti region over what he described as false publication against him.

He also accused the Ashanti Regional branch of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) of acting without wisdom by threatening to withdraw their representation on the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

According to the Minister, ECG management does not qualify to be on the regional security council, therefore, describing their threat as empty.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the Minister disclosed that there were existing agreements between ECG and the Kumasi Technical University regarding outstanding debts.

He emphasized that his actions were part of his responsibilities and were in line with the Securities and Intelligence Act of 2020, Act 10(30).

“Do I have to apologize for doing my security work? What I want to tell you is that I asked the police to invite Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe on security grounds because of the happenings in the electricity sector in the region and the fact that a task force can always come from outside to disconnect without the proper information,” Osei-Mensah stated.

He further dismissed claims that some ECG managers were members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

The Minister also criticized the ECG for allegedly not complying with Security Council directives to provide an uninterrupted power supply to the residences of the President and Vice President while they are in the region.

The minister who is unimpressed with the EC management in Ashanti accused ECG of disregarding security protocols in the region for President Nana Akufo-Addo and the vice President any time they come to Kumasi for official duties.

“I have informed the ECG that where the President and the Vice President lodge any time they are in Kumasi is declared a security zone. Unfortunately, the ECG has never observed this, they keep on flouting this when they know what they are supposed to do at security zones. It means I see them as more or less either intentional or a failure of duty. And as representative of the President and supervising the good people of Ashanti Region who also chairs the Regional Security Council, I cannot sit aloof and allow such a thing to go on.”